Display Control Device for Self-Portrait Operability

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Solution Overview

Problem

In imaging devices, particularly digital cameras, users face difficulties in operating buttons and keys when the display unit is positioned to face them during self-portrait photography, leading to degraded operability due to the display unit's movable design.

Innovation Solution

A display control device and method that detect when the display unit and imaging unit are in a predetermined positional relationship, allowing for the display of self-portrait photographing information, enabling easier self-portrait photography by adjusting the display format and displaying relevant settings without requiring users to manually change the display unit's orientation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the display unit is made movable to enable photographing from different angles, then the adaptability of the imaging device is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because buttons and keys become difficult to operate when the display unit faces toward the user

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvephotographing from different anglesVSAvoidoperation of buttons and keys
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The display unit is designed to be movable relative to the imaging unit, allowing it to change position between facing the photographic object and facing the user. This dynamic positioning enables the device to adapt between different photographing modes (standard mode and self-portrait mode) while maintaining ease of operation in each mode through context-aware control information display.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Loss of information

If the display unit faces toward the user during self-portrait photography, then the user can check the photographic object image, but the ease of operation deteriorates because buttons and keys are difficult to operate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechecking photographic object imageVSAvoidoperation of buttons and keys
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control information displayed on the display unit serves as an intermediary that provides essential operational feedback (shutter release status, exposure settings, etc.) directly to the user during self-portrait photography. This eliminates the need for the user to manually check settings by operating buttons while viewing the display, as all necessary information is automatically presented in the user's field of view.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically detects when the display unit is in the self-portrait position and autonomously adjusts the displayed information to show control parameters relevant to self-portrait photography. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual intervention to switch display modes or adjust settings, allowing users to simply compose and capture self-portraits without operational interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If the display unit is fixed in position, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the adaptability deteriorates because photographing from different angles is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation of buttons and keysVSAvoidphotographing from different angles
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The display unit transitions from a fixed design to a dynamic, movable design that can adjust its position relative to the imaging unit. This enables the device to support multiple photographing angles and configurations (standard photography, self-portrait photography, angled shots) while the control information display adapts automatically to maintain ease of operation in each configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3343901B1Display control device and device control method
Publication Date: 2020.05.13 SONY GROUP CORP
  • EP3343901B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1C
  • EP3343901B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3343901B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3C

AI summary

A display controller includes circuitry configured to cause a display device to display self-portrait photographing information in response to receiving an indication that the display device and an imaging unit are in a predetermined positional relationship.